Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) in Edo State have called on President Bola Tinubu to renew the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Chief Government “Tompolo” Ekpemupolo, citing improved security and increased crude oil production in the Niger Delta.
Speaking in Benin City during a HOSTCOM meeting, the Edo State Chairman, Mr Kenneth Kenebragha Aduwaye, commended Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, the firm owned by Ekpemupolo, for significantly reducing pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and illegal refining activities across the region.
Aduwaye noted that before the company’s engagement, oil spills caused by frequent pipeline vandalism were widespread, leading to environmental degradation, adding that the firm has largely delivered on its mandate by restoring stability in oil-producing communities.
He also pointed out that Nigeria’s crude oil production, which previously stood at about 1.3 million barrels per day—well below the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota of 2.3 million barrels per day—has recorded notable improvement under the current surveillance arrangement.
According to him, production has increased to about 1.87 million barrels per day and is expected to rise further towards meeting the OPEC target.
He said: “There’s no need for the Federal Government to terminate the contract with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. High Chief Government Ekpemupolo’s company has succeeded in maintaining the peace in the Niger Delta. Cases of pipeline vandalism, illegal refineries, and oil theft have subsided since he took over. The Nigerian oil industry, the mainstay of the nation’s economy, is better for it. From a low of 1.3 million barrels per day, Nigeria’s oil production has surged to almost 1.9 million barrels per day and is poised to hit 2 million barrels per day.
“Against this backdrop, there is no need to change the pipeline surveillance company. The company has delivered significantly and has made the work easier for the different HOSTCOMs. As they say in sport, you don’t change a winning team. Edo HOSTCOM is therefore calling on President Bola Tinubu to renew the contract for Ekpemupolo’s company. It has done well and should be encouraged.”
